Biorefinery - Concept & Applications in UK

S C H O O L O F E N G I N E E R I N G A N D A P P L I E D S C I E N C E S
ENERGY AND PRODUCTS FROM BIOMASS

WHAT IS MEANT BY THE CONCEPT OF A BIO-REFINERY, AND WHAT TYPES OF
BIO-REFINERY ARE MOST LIKELY TO FIND SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION IN THE UK?
FOR THE ATTENTION DR A. APFELBACHER

AUTHOR : YOUSIF ELTOM | 061413353
Yousif Eltom | 0614133523
Executive Summary
This report will look in the concepts of a biorefinery and how they can be applied for commercial use
in the UK. A biorefinery is a manufacturing site involved in the refining of biomass material to yield
purified materials and molecules.
With the rising demand for energy worldwide, and the peaking of oil and gas production, alternative
fuels must be sought and renewable sources are the most sustainable source. These will also help the
UK meet its commitments to the EU on carbon emissions and the Kyoto agreement.
Biorefinery have developed over time and can be classed as three different phases or generations.
- Phase 1 biorefinery have one feedstock, and one major product.
- Phase 2 biorefinery have one feedstock and can produce more than one major product
- Phase three biorefinery can process multiple feedstock and produce multiple products
There are also different specific types of biorefineries which can fit in any of these generations,
1. Whole Crop Biorefinery: A system which uses feedstock such as maize and cereals.
2. The Green Biorefinery: A system which uses wet biomass such as
3. Lignocellulose feedback Biorefinery: a system which uses naturally dry feedstock such as
cellulose-containing matter.
4. Two-Platform concept Biorefinery: A system in which both biochemical and thermo-chemical

platforms are applied.
The most feasible biorefineries to apply in the UK are the two-platform and Lignocellulose biorefinery
as these have the most feedstock available and don’t require import. The north east of the UK has a
high density of energy crops which can be used in these systems and will be the most ideal location
for a biorefinery due to this. It is also a very well connected area in terms of transport therefore
logistically easier for operation.
A type three biorefinery which can incorporate a lot more than these will be the ideal type in the UK<
however they will not set off on a commercial scale for another 15-25 years depending on
development.
Biorefineries have the potential to generate much of the UK’s energy demand but the idea of having
them must be exploited more by the UK with government taking a lead role in this.
Contents Page
Table of Figures ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Biorefinery Definition...................................................................................................................... 2
3. Biorefinery development ................................................................................................................ 3
3.1 Phase 1 Biorefinery ................................................................................................................. 3
3.2 Phase 2 Biorefineries .............................................................................................................. 3
3.3 Phase 3 Biorefineries .............................................................................................................. 4
4. Types of Biorefineries ..................................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Whole Crop Biorefinery .......................................................................................................... 4
4.2 The Green Biorefinery ............................................................................................................. 5
4.3 Lignocellulose feedstock Biorefinery ...................................................................................... 6
4.4 Two-Platform concept Biorefinery.......................................................................................... 6
5. Feedstock ........................................................................................................................................ 8
5.1 Waste ...................................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Energy Crop ............................................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Algae ..................................................................................................................................... 10
6. Products ........................................................................................................................................ 11
6.1 Energy and Fuel..................................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Chemicals .............................................................................................................................. 11
6.3 Materials ............................................................................................................................... 11
7. UK Location ................................................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Location................................................................................................................................. 15
8. Discussion...................................................................................................................................... 16
9. References .................................................................................................................................... 17
Table of Figures
Figure 1. An Example of how Biomass can be used to reduce carbon emissions .................................. 1
Figure 2. Simple Biorefinery flowsheet ................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3.Phase 1 Biorefinery ................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 4.Phase 2 Biorefinery ................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 5. Schematic for a Whole Crop Biorefinery ................................................................................. 4
Figure 6. Schematic for a Green Biorefinery ........................................................................................... 5
Figure 7. Schematic for a LCF Biorefinery ............................................................................................... 6
Figure 8. Basic Schematic for a Two-Platform Biorefinery ..................................................................... 6
Figure 9. Wood that can be used as biomass ......................................................................................... 8
Figure 10. Mature Willow SRC ............................................................................................................... 9
Figure 11. How Algae can be used in the future as a fuel .................................................................... 10
Figure 12. Biodiesel is currently being used as a replacement fuel ...................................................... 11
Figure 13. Detailed breakdown of products of a Biorefinery ............................................................... 12
Figure 14. Locations of current UK Biorefineries .................................................................................. 13
Figure 15. Table to show the capacities and feedstock of UK Biomass production ............................. 15
1. Introduction
According to the International Energy agency, the worldwide energy demand will rise by 45% from
2006 to 20301. With oil and gas production either at its peak or very close to peaking2, the need for
sustainable renewable energy is required with immediate effect.
The UK is currently seeking to meet its targets under the Kyoto agreement to reduce its carbon
emissions below the 1990 emissions before 2008-2012, and also of the EU agreement for “a 20%
share of renewable energies in overall EU energy consumption by 2020; a 10% minimum target to be
achieved by all Member States for the share of bio fuels in overall EU transport petrol and diesel
consumption by 2020, to be introduced in a cost-efficient way”3
With both the rising demand for energy and the UK’s commitments to reducing carbon emissions
and meeting its EU targets, much research is being undertaken in the available sources of
sustainable fuel. One option which has been forecasted to meet up to 10% of the future world
energy demand is the use of biomass to produce energy4. Biomass can be used in Biorefineries to
produce energy, fuel, and a wide variety of chemicals5.
Figure 1. An Example of how Biomass can be used to reduce carbon emissions
1|Page
2. Biorefinery Definition
According to the NNFCC ( National Non-Foods Crop Centre)6 there isn’t a strict definition of the term
Biorefinery due to the constant development’s involved however the closest description of a
Biorefinery is ‘a manufacturing site involved in the refining of biomass material to yield purified
materials and molecules. This conversion can be achieved using biological or thermochemical
processing or a mixture of both.’
These biorefineries have a similar concept to a traditional oil refinery whereby a raw material is
fed into a process and the output is an end-product which is in demand and economically
feasible to manufacture.
A simple flowsheet to show how biomass is refined in a Biorefinery is illustrated below:
7
Figure 2. Simple Biorefinery flowsheet
Biomass feedstock consists of three main components, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose8. After
being pre treated biomass undergoes a series of biological or thermochemical conversion into a
number of value-added chemicals, fuels, and can also provide heat and electricity.
2|Page
3. Biorefinery development
The concept of Biorefineries has long been a subject of much research and development, especially
when similarities are drawn with the conventional petrochemical refineries.
When the first model of a Biorefinery was developed it was simple, and over time and with much
research developed into the different forms of Biorefinery ideas we have before us today. In brief
the development of Biorefineries can be split into different phases; 1, 2, and 39.
3.1 Phase 1 Biorefinery

A phase 1 Biorefinery is a basic refinery which only has one type of feedstock, has fixed process
abilities and can only produce one major product. Many of these exist across Europe and a typical
example is that of the biodiesel process which is shown below9.
9
Figure 3.Phase 1 Biorefinery
3.2 Phase 2 Biorefineries

A phase 2 Biorefinery is similar to a phase 1 Biorefinery as it can only process one feedstock;
however it has the ability to produce more than one major product10. An example of a phase 2
Biorefinery is the production of multiple of chemicals from cereal grains; a block diagram is shown
below.
9
Figure 4.Phase 2 Biorefinery
3|Page
3.3 Phase 3 Biorefineries

Phase three Biorefineries are seen as the future of Biorefineries; these will be able to process a
multitude of feedstock types and also produce a variety of chemicals, fuels and energy11. They give a
great amount of flexibility with meeting market demands which is very lucrative to any company.
There are not any commercial scale phase 3 Biorefineries at the moment however research and
development across the world is focussed on developing them into a viable and feasible
establishment. There are four types of phase three Biorefineries which will be looked at further.
4. Types of Biorefineries
Currently there is believed to be four different types of Biorefineries11. These are:
5. Whole Crop Biorefinery: A system which uses feedstock such as maize and cereals.
6. The Green Biorefinery: A system which uses wet biomass such as
7. Lignocellulose feedback Biorefinery: a system which uses naturally dry feedstock such as
cellulose-containing matter.
8. Two-Platform concept Biorefinery: A system in which both biochemical and thermo-

chemical platforms are applied.
4.1 Whole Crop Biorefinery
12
12
Figure 5. Schematic for a Whole Crop Biorefinery
4|Page
A whole crop Biorefinery will use cereals such as wheat, corn, maize and rape. It will then convert
the whole plant (both straw and grain) into energy, chemicals, materials and food.13
The detailed schematic (figure 5) shows the complexity involved with this type of process, firstly the
seed and straw must be separated and undergo different processes. The seeds are processed to
produce starch before undertaking chemical conversion to ethanol and a whole range of products.
The straw is then processed and separated into lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose; these can then
be refined according to the set up of a ligno-cellulose Biorefinery.
4.2 The Green Biorefinery
13
Figure 6. Schematic for a Green Biorefinery
A green Biorefinery is a form of a phase 3 Biorefinery for which much study has been undertaken in
order to develop it. A green Biorefinery takes ‘green biomass’ such grass, algae, Lucerne and uses
combining technologies to produce energy, chemicals and fuel14. The biomass is usually pressed into
fibre-rich press cake and green juice. The press juice contains many useful chemicals such as organic
acids, amino acids and dyes. It can also be fermented to produce further chemicals.
The press cake has many applications; it can be used as fodder, fuel to produce biogas and also as a
raw material to produce many chemicals and hydrocarbons15.
5|Page
4.3 Lignocellulose feedstock Biorefinery
Figure 7. Schematic for a LCF Biorefinery
A Lignocellulose Biorefinery uses ‘nature dry’ feedstock and cellulose-containing feedstock such as
straw, chaff, wood, corn Stover and reed grass16. The feedstock is split into the main components of
biomass; lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. These then undergo many processes and converted
into an array of energy and chemical products.
4.4 Two-Platform concept Biorefinery
Figure 8. Basic Schematic for a Two-Platform Biorefinery
6|Page
The two platform concept refinery is a form of an integrated Biorefinery in which a starch
fermentation setup and a lingo-cellulose process are adapted. The typical feedstock for this type of
Biorefinery is ‘cereal’ and is fed whole into the process. The first stage is to separate the seed from
the straw before further processing. The seed is usually processed to produce starch and a range of
chemicals including ethanol13.
The straw is then processed according to the Lignocellulose to produce the variety of chemicals it is
able to achieve.
7|Page
5. Feedstock
Various forms of feedstock can be used with Biorefineries, but most biomass has certain
characteristics which differ from the feedstock used in traditional petrochemical Biorefineries.
Biomass feedstock is generally widely distributed with areas of low density and is only available
seasonally. However the key distinguishing property is the fact that biomass is seen as a sustainable
and renewable source as crude oil and natural gases are finite.
The types of feedstock used can be broken down into two main categories, waste and energy crop.
5.1 Waste
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): this is waste which is thrown out as rubbish, although not all of it is
suitable for use as biomass. Currently in the UK 2.5 million tonnes of MSW is used for energy
recovery, with the potential for this to increase by 400%17.
Waste from Forest Management: waste wood and crops that otherwise go to landfill can be used to
recover energy. It is estimated that nearly 5 million tonnes of waste wood could be used as
biomass17.
3
Figure 9. Wood that can be used as biomass
Animal waste: In the UK around 3 million tonnes of animal wastes and slurries are generated
annually. If 50% of this was used as biomass in anaerobic digesters, up to 1.1TWh of electricity can
be produced and a carbon saving of over 0.13MtC annually17.
Other sources in this category include waste from the food industry, such as vegetable oils.
5.2 Energy Crop

These are dedicated energy crops which are grown solely for the purpose of generating bio
products18. They tend to have a considerable level of sugars, Lignocellulose, starches and oil which in
turn give the crop relatively high energy content18.
The main form of energy crops are short rotation coppice (SRC) and miscanthus. The UK currently
produces around 25,000 tonnes per annum of both SRC and miscanthus19, with the government
8|Page
targets aimed to utilise 1 million hectares to be used for non-food use it is estimated up to 8 million
tonnes of energy crops can be produced for purpose of generating biofuels17.
Short Rotation Coppice (SRC): SRC consists of a variety of willow or poplar which are usually densely
planted and highly yielding. These are harvested anytime between a 2-5 year period, and a
plantation can be viable for up to 30 years20.
Miscanthus: Miscanthus is a highly-yielding energy crop which has rapid growth which can be
harvested annually, and grows to over three metre21.
Energy Crops have many advantages22:
- They contain high amounts of sugars meaning they can be converted into energy using
advanced technologies
- They produce high volumes of fuel per tonne compared to corn and agricultural waste, up
to three times
- The land on which they are grown does not have to be productive therefore they can be
planted in areas close to where they will be refined and used. This reduces the logistical
issues involved with transporting bulk materials.
20
Figure 10. Mature Willow SRC
Some forms of energy crop have a natural ability to undergo a process known as phytoremidiation.
This is a concept whereby the plants have a natural ability to render harmless and mitigate any
contaminants which many be in the soil23. As a clean cost effective way to remove contaminants
much research is currently being undertaken to develop this field24.
9|Page
5.3 Algae
Due to the methods of formation for algae, it has a potential to be a key supplier of biomass for
Biorefineries. Algal fuel can be cultivated in open pond systems and photo bioreactors; however
there are still mane complications in the process and its productions is not yet commercially viable.
Figure 11. How Algae can be used in the future as a fuel
10 | P a g e
6. Products
The products produced from a Biorefinery must be in demand, and they should be capable of
replacing the products formed from current petro refineries. The main products formed by a
Biorefinery can be split into three categories25.
6.1 Energy and Fuel

Energy can be created in the form of heat or electricity, the heat can be used in other parts of the
process where heat is needed and the electricity can be fed into the grid network. The Energy can
also be created from the fuels which are formed in the process. The fuels can be in the forms of
solid, liquid or gas and have many applications.
Figure 12. Biodiesel is currently being used as a replacement fuel
6.2 Chemicals
A huge array of chemicals can be produced by Biorefineries, these include the likes of activated
carbon which can be used in many industries, and also speciality chemicals which tend to be value-
added products and drive high profits.
6.3 Materials
Like the chemicals produced in a Biorefinery, the variety of materials produced is also large. Dyes,
pigments, oils, paints and inks are all included in the list of materials which can be produced. This is
dependant of the phase of Biorefinery, usually phase 3.
11 | P a g e
Detailed breakdowns of the products produced are shown below.
Figure 13. Detailed breakdown of products of a Biorefinery
12 | P a g e
7. UK Location
Although the UK is the centre for much of the research being undertaken in the development of
Biorefineries, it is still falling being in the exploitation of the concept of an integrated Biorefinery26.
The main forms of Biorefineries in the UK at the moment are bio-ethanol and bio-diesel producing
site, which have been established for some time now.
Both of these refineries are either a phase 1 or phase 2 Biorefinery; however it must be noted that
to date there is yet to be any phase 3 or 3rd generation Biorefineries in the world. According to the
NNFCC the current known UK production of bio fuels is 614,000 tonnes/year, with another 1,900,000
tonnes/year either in construction, planning or proposition27. When taken as a percentage of the UK
transport fuel demand for 2010 (37 million tonnes/year) this is just under 7% of the UK demand. To
date all of these ventures have been successful and economically viable for the companies who
continue expanding in this field which leads to the topic of what types of Biorefinery are more likely
to find success in the UK?
Figure 9 shows us the locations of the current Biorefineries in the UK, and also their capacities. More
importantly the corresponding table shows us exactly what capacities are being run at these
facilities.
28
Figure 14. Locations of current UK Biorefineries
13 | P a g e
Map Company Location Feedstock Total Installed

reference Capacity (MW)
1 Scottish Power Longannet Energy crops 2400
2 Scottish Power Cockenzie Energy crops 1200
3 Alcan Smelting Lynmouth Woodchip 420

and Power UK
4 Sembcorp Middlesbrough Small round wood, recycled wood, sawmill co- 42

products, SRC willow
5 SSE Ferrybridge Biomass 300
6 British Energy Eggborough SRC willow 1960
7 Drax Selby Energy crops, virgin timber, olive kernels etc. 500**
8 Centrica Glanford Brigg Distillate 272
9 EDF, West Retford Wood, SRC 2000

Burton
Power Ltd.
10 EDF, Cottam Retford Wood, SRC 2000

Power Ltd.
11 E.ON Ratcliffe-On-Soar, Biomass 2000

Nottingham
12 EPR Elean Business Straw and energy crops 40

Park , Sutton
13 E.ON Kingsnorth, Kent Cereal co-products 2000
14 Npower Cogen Aylesford, Kent Pulp and paper residues 100

Ltd.
15 RWE Npower Tilbury, Essex Sawdust and Palm kernel expeller (PKE) 1100
16 RWE Npower Littlebrook D, Kent Biomass 2200
17 SSE/Slough Slough Woodchip, biomass and waste paper 80

Estates
18 RWE Npower Didcot ‘A’, Shea-nut meal, sawdust, PKE and olive pellets 2100
Oxfordshire
19 RWE Npower Aberthaw ‘B’, Vale Sawdust, PKE and woodchip 1600
of Glamorgan
14 | P a g e
20 Welsh Power, Newport Woodchip and shea pellets 393
Uskmouth
Power Ltd.
21 E.ON Telford Woodchip, shea nut meal, palm and 970

Miscanthus
22 UPM Shotton Mill Biomass and pulp/paper residues 20
23 SSE Fiddler’s Ferry, PKE, olive pellets, citrus pulp pellets and wood 2000
Warrington
24 E.ON Lockerbie 60% saw-mill co-products and small round 44

wood, 20% SRC willow, 20% recycled fibre
(from wood product manufacture)
Figure 15. Table to show the capacities and feedstock of UK Biomass production
Highlighted in this table are the top rated capacity Biorefineries in the UK, and from the 24 listed,
the top 9 in terms of capacity have been highlighted. Of these 9 Biorefineries, 6 clearly use Biomass
or energy crops as their feedstock, and from the 24 listed Biorefineries, 16 use energy crops or
biomass as their feedstock. It is clear to see from this that the main source of feedstock in the UK at
the moment is energy crops, and this is mainly due to their advantages as stated earlier in the
report.
7.1 Location
There are many factors which must be taken into consideration when locating a Biorefinery; more
importantly are the factors of sourcing the feedstock and transportation infrastructure available.
From figure 9 above it is clear to see that the north eastern region of the UK has the most potential
for providing energy crops for the use in biorefineries. In order for the UK to climb the Biorefinery
industry ladder, these densely populated energy crop potentials must be fully exploited and the
importing of biomass kept to a minimal.
15 | P a g e
8. Discussion
Many forms of Biorefineries are available to be used in the UK, and currently operations are
expanding across the country. The best available Biorefineries for use in the UK are two-platform
Biorefinery and the ligno-cellulose Biorefinery as they consume the types of feedstock which may be
readily available in the UK and does not require any importing of feedstock.
The availability of feedstock in the UK is currently an issue, however salvaging much of the waste
could provide an immediate source of biomass for Biorefineries, and to ensure Biorefineries provide
a cost effective solution to the world’s carbon emission the importing of feedstock must be kept to a
minimal.
The UK has a very good transportation network as it is with most areas easily accessible by road,
train or sea. This means the location of a Biorefinery can be broad, however location close to the site
of feedstock is important to minimise transportation costs and also carbon emissions. If the
Biorefinery will not further process the bio products it is also ideal for it to be located close to a site
of further processing in order to minimise costs and emissions.
The north east of the UK has the highest density of energy crops, and this is a vital aspect which
must be exploited to maximise UK production of bio products. The UK has many phase 1
Biorefineries but it is important it enters the phase 2 market and build a strong foundation for what
will be a bright future in the phase 3 Biorefinery industry which will not really become commercially
viable for an further 15-25 years depending on the advancements made in the areas of research and
development.
The concept of applying Biorefineries in the UK will help generate some of the UK’s energy demands
and also reduce carbon emissions. The use of biomass can also cater for the speciality chemicals
industry and replace downstream operations that current operate by petrochemical refineries.
16 | P a g e
9. References
1
Tanaka,N. (2008). World energy outlook. International energy agency p78.
2
Sorrell,S. (2010). Global oil depletion:A review of the evidence. Energy Policy. 38, p5290.
3
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. (2007). UK Biomass Strategy. p8.
4
Tanaka,N. (2008). World energy outlook. International energy agency p159.
5
King,D. (2010). The future of Industrial Biorefineries. World Ecomomic Forum.p6.
6
Smith,W. (2007). State of the Art in Biorefinery Development. Tamutech Consultancy. p4.
7
James H. Clark, Fabien E. I. Deswarte and Thomas J. Farmer. (2009). the integration of
green chemistry into future bio refineries. Bio fuels, Bioprod. Bioref. 3, p73.
8
James H. Clark, Fabien E. I. Deswarte and Thomas J. Farmer. (2009). The integration of
green chemistry into future biorefi neries. Bio fuels, Bioprod. Bioref. 3, p77
9
Clark. Deswarte,F. (2008). The Biorefinery Concept–An Integrated Approach. Introduction
to Chemicals from Biomass. 1 , p6.
10
Clark. Deswarte, F. (2008). The Biorefinery Concept–An Integrated Approach. Introduction
to Chemicals from Biomass. 1 , p7
11
Clark. Deswarte,F. (2008). The Biorefinery Concept–An Integrated Approach. Introduction
to Chemicals from Biomass. 1 , p9
12
Kamm,K. Kamm,M. (2004). Principles of bio refineries. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 64 (1),
p143
13
Kamm,K. Kamm,M. (2004). Principles of bio refineries. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 64 (1),
p144
14
Smith, W. (2007). State of the Art in Biorefinery Development. Tamutech Consultancy.
P74.
15
Georgakaki, A. (2008). Advanced Biorefinery Concepts: A Feasibility and Reality Check.
Biosynergy, p14.
16
Smith, W. (2007). State of the Art in Biorefinery Development. Tamutech Consultancy.
P75.
17
Gill, B. (2005). Report to Government. Biomass Task Force. 1, p14
17 | P a g e
18
DEFRA. (2004). Growing Short Rotation Coppice. Best Practice Guidelines for Applicants to
Defra’s Energy Crops Scheme. 1 (1), p5.
19
Gill, B. (2005). Report to Government. Biomass Task Force. 1, p15
20
DEFRA. (2004). Growing Short Rotation Coppice. Best Practice Guidelines for Applicants to
Defra’s Energy Crops Scheme. 1 (1), p6.
21
John, C (2004). Miscanthus biomass production for energy in Europe. Global Change
Biology. 10, p509.
22
BP. (2010). Dedicated Energy Crops. Available:
http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9030047&contentId=7055177.
Last accessed 24th October 2010.
23
Lasat, M. (2000). PHYTOEXTRACTION OF METALS FROM CONTAMINATED SOIL: A REVIEW
OF PLANT/SOIL/METAL INTERACTION AND ASSESSMENT OF PERTINENT AGRONOMIC
ISSUES. Journal of Hazardous Substance Research. 2 (5), p1.
24
Xiao-Zhang,Y. Pu-Hua,Z. Yong-Miao,Y. (2006). The potential for phytoremediation of iron
cyanide complex. Ecotoxicology. 14 (1), p461.
25
Dr John Brammer Lecture Notes, Combustion and Gasification
26
Reynolds,J. (2007). A North East UK View Bio refining Scoping Study Report. The
Biorefinery Opportunity. p8.
27
NNFCC. (2010). UK Bio fuel Production Facilities: Status Update. NNFCC Bio fuels
Newsletter.p3.
28
NNFCC. (2010). NNFCC Publication. UK Operational Biomass Processing Facilities. p 1.28
18 | P a g e

Biorefinery - Concept & Applications in UK

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Descrizione originale:

Titolo originale

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Biorefinery - Concept & Applications in UK

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

S C H O O L O F E N G I N E E R I N G A N D A P P L I E D S C I E N C E S

ENERGY AND PRODUCTS FROM BIOMASS

FOR THE ATTENTION DR A. APFELBACHER

- Phase 1 biorefinery have one feedstock, and one major product.

2. The Green Biorefinery: A system which uses wet biomass such as

4. Two-Platform concept Biorefinery: A system in which both biochemical and thermo-chemical

3. Biorefinery development ................................................................................................................ 3

3.1 Phase 1 Biorefinery ................................................................................................................. 3

3.2 Phase 2 Biorefineries .............................................................................................................. 3

3.3 Phase 3 Biorefineries .............................................................................................................. 4

4. Types of Biorefineries ..................................................................................................................... 4

4.1 Whole Crop Biorefinery .......................................................................................................... 4

4.2 The Green Biorefinery ............................................................................................................. 5

4.3 Lignocellulose feedstock Biorefinery ...................................................................................... 6

4.4 Two-Platform concept Biorefinery.......................................................................................... 6

5.1 Waste ...................................................................................................................................... 8

5.2 Energy Crop ............................................................................................................................. 8

5.3 Algae ..................................................................................................................................... 10

6.1 Energy and Fuel..................................................................................................................... 11

6.2 Chemicals .............................................................................................................................. 11

6.3 Materials ............................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 2. Simple Biorefinery flowsheet ................................................................................................... 2

Figure 3.Phase 1 Biorefinery ................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 4.Phase 2 Biorefinery ................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 5. Schematic for a Whole Crop Biorefinery ................................................................................. 4

Figure 6. Schematic for a Green Biorefinery ........................................................................................... 5

Figure 7. Schematic for a LCF Biorefinery ............................................................................................... 6

Figure 8. Basic Schematic for a Two-Platform Biorefinery ..................................................................... 6

Figure 9. Wood that can be used as biomass ......................................................................................... 8

Figure 10. Mature Willow SRC ............................................................................................................... 9

Figure 12. Biodiesel is currently being used as a replacement fuel ...................................................... 11

Figure 13. Detailed breakdown of products of a Biorefinery ............................................................... 12

Figure 14. Locations of current UK Biorefineries .................................................................................. 13

Figure 1. An Example of how Biomass can be used to reduce carbon emissions

A simple flowsheet to show how biomass is refined in a Biorefinery is illustrated below:

3.1 Phase 1 Biorefinery

3.2 Phase 2 Biorefineries

3.3 Phase 3 Biorefineries

Currently there is believed to be four different types of Biorefineries11. These are:

6. The Green Biorefinery: A system which uses wet biomass such as

8. Two-Platform concept Biorefinery: A system in which both biochemical and thermo-

4.1 Whole Crop Biorefinery

4.2 The Green Biorefinery

4.3 Lignocellulose feedstock Biorefinery

Figure 7. Schematic for a LCF Biorefinery

4.4 Two-Platform concept Biorefinery

Figure 8. Basic Schematic for a Two-Platform Biorefinery

5.2 Energy Crop

Energy Crops have many advantages22:

Figure 11. How Algae can be used in the future as a fuel

6.1 Energy and Fuel

Figure 12. Biodiesel is currently being used as a replacement fuel

Detailed breakdowns of the products produced are shown below.

Figure 13. Detailed breakdown of products of a Biorefinery

Map Company Location Feedstock Total Installed

1 Scottish Power Longannet Energy crops 2400

2 Scottish Power Cockenzie Energy crops 1200

3 Alcan Smelting Lynmouth Woodchip 420

4 Sembcorp Middlesbrough Small round wood, recycled wood, sawmill co- 42

5 SSE Ferrybridge Biomass 300

6 British Energy Eggborough SRC willow 1960

8 Centrica Glanford Brigg Distillate 272